Two days ago, factions of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) launched an attack on the city of Manbij, a place that has long brought together Kurds and Arabs. This attack, part of the military campaign called “Dawn of Freedom,” resulted in the deaths of dozens, including civilians, amid rising violence and widespread human rights violations.
Synergy Association has documented a series of violations committed by the Turkish-backed armed factions, both during and following the attack on Manbij. These violations include:
-
Execution of Prisoners and the Wounded:
Synergy Association documented the summary execution of two wounded members of the “Manbij Military Council”, who were receiving treatment at a hospital near the Mills Roundabout. The armed factions surrounded the hospital, preventing the evacuation of the injured, before the executions were carried out. In addition, numerous detainees were summarily executed by gunfire in various locations across the city, without any form of trial or legal proceedings.
-
Killing of Civilians and Neglect of Bodies:
The deceaseds were left in streets, with no efforts made to bury them or return them to their families. Among the victims were entire families killed inside their vehicles during the clashes, with their bodies left exposed. Witnesses also reported looting, including the theft of weapons and phones from the bodies of fighters abandoned in the streets.
-
Ethnic Targeting and Looting of Kurdish Property:
The majority of Kurdish civilians were displaced due to fear of death and arrest, while some others remained trapped, fearing violations if they attempted to leave. The city witnessed widespread looting, targeting public institutions and private property, including homes, shops, and vehicles.
-
Arrests and Extortion:
A large number of civilians were arrested, including men and women employees of civil institutions affiliated with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). SNA groups also raided Kurdish homes, assaulting those who remained inside. Among the raids was an attack on the home of Kurdish doctor, Ali Wali, where he and his wife were beaten, and $20,000 was stolen from their house.
-
Chaos and Lack of Security:
The city was overwhelmed by chaos and panic, with widespread theft and violations. In response, some residents took to the streets in a desperate attempt to protect themselves and their families.
-
A Record Fraught with Human Rights Violations:
SNA forces, leading the Operation “Dawn of Freedom”, include individuals who were previously listed in U.S. Treasury Department sanctions for their involvement in human rights violations, including murder, forced disappearances, and looting. Prominent among these leaders are Abu Amsha (Mohammad al-Jassem), leader of the “Sultan Suleiman Shah Brigade” (known as “al-Amshat”), and Seif Bolad (known as “Seif Abu Bakr”), leader of the al-Hamza Brigade; Both were seen in videos from the first day of the attack inside Manbij.
Call for Justice and Cease the Violations:
What is happening in Manbij is not just a military clash; it is rather a severe violation of human rights, particularly targeting civilians, and paving the way for systematic forced displacement. These crimes demand an independent international investigation and accountability for those responsible. Protecting civilians must be an utmost priority.
The recent attack is part of a series of ongoing assaults on Northeastern Syria, where Kurds, Arabs, and various religious, ethnic, and national minorities live together. The region is also home to over one million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
This is happening at a historic moment when millions of Syrians breathed a sigh of relief with the fall of the Assad regime, while also the UNs has called on all armed parties to exercise restraint and halt the escalation. UN Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order, protecting civilians, and respecting public institutions. He also stressed the need to prioritize dialogue, calling for the respect of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and human rights as a crucial step toward rebuilding Syrian society.
We call on the international community to take immediate action to stop these violations, ensure the safety of civilians, and restore security and stability to the city.
Manbij is not a battlefield! Manbij is a home for peace and coexistence. End the violence.